Manchester City star sends message to Arsenal ahead of Premier League title run-in

Rico Lewis believes Manchester City’s much-improved defensive record is sending a message to their Premier League rivals as the title battle with Arsenal rapidly approaches its climax.

Pep Guardiola’s men took a break from league action this weekend as they reached the semi-final of the FA Cup with a 6-0 demolition of a Burnley side managed by former Etihad Stadium favourite Vincent Kompany. The clean sheet against the Clarets means City have not conceded more than one goal in their last 14 games in all competitions and have not conceded a goal since Jefferson Lerma netted a late consolation for Bournemouth in a 4-1 defeat for his side in late February.

Despite that positive run of form from City, Arsenal’s dominant display in Sunday afternoon’s 4-1 win against Crystal Palace means they will head into the international break as clear favourites to secure a first Premier League title since 2004.

A Bukayo Saka brace and a goal apiece from Gabriel Martinelli and Granit Xhaka saw off the Eagles at the Emirates Stadium and took the Gunners eight points clear of City, who do hold one game in hand on Mikel Arteta’s side and will host Arsenal in what is sure to be a pivotal clash next month.

As attentions now turn towards the international break, City star Lewis has attempted to turn up the heat on their Premier League rivals by insisting his side now have a solid foundation to build upon and are sending ‘a good message’ to other competitors for major honours over the remainder of the season.

Speaking after the FA Cup win against Burnley, he said: “It was quite similar to last week – a big score line and no goals conceded. It definitely sends a message out to everyone else that we are threat in both ends of the box. We’re not going to concede easily – it’s going to take a lot to score and also, we are going to create a lot of chances. For other teams it’s tough to watch but for us it’s a good message to send out to everyone else.”

Arsenal will return to Premier League action with a home game against Leeds United on Saturday 1st April.